Hope
"And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ."
1 Peter 3:15b-16. NLT
In a Peanuts strip, Charlie Brown and Lucy were discussing theology. Lucy said, “On the great cruise ship of life, some people take their deck chairs to the bow and some people take their deck chairs to the stern. Where do you put your deck chair, Charlie Brown?”
Charlie thought for a moment and then replied, “Lucy, I can’t even get my deck chair unfolded.”
Isn’t that how many of us are? We don’t even know how to get our “deck chairs open.” We know God wants us to share his love with others, but we don’t know how. Like Charlie Brown, these people are in the middle and don’t know where they are with their faith or what to do with it. Maybe they are comfortable answering their own questions, but they wrestle to untangle it for sharing with others.
Some are at the stern of the boat and can see clearly from the horizon all life has had to offer and where they are now with God. They can see the path travelled and have confidence in God’s faithfulness and sharing it with others.
Others are at the bow trying hard to see what lies ahead. Maybe many are looking for God and what He has in store for them. Sometimes, they do not have the confidence to follow this path alone, but need support from those who are more used to being at sea. Maybe they need a mentor to answer their questions.
Yes, faith is a personal matter and we shouldn’t be loud and obnoxious in sharing it. We are all at different stages. However, we should always be ready to give an answer, whether by word or deed, gently and respectfully when asked.
Always act with courtesy and seriousness. Have an open mind and speak prayerfully. This is the way of love. Appreciate the things others hold dear. Remember, God has chosen to abide within us—every one of us. This demands we treat each other thoughtfully and, as Peter says, with gentleness and respect.
